Chapter 170

Dominic received a response to his inquiry within twenty minutes.

"Mr. Blackwood, I just contacted St. Elizabeth Medical Center. They informed me that their surveillance system was undergoing maintenance that day, so no footage is available."

His subordinate’s answer made Dominic’s brow furrow.

Was this truly a coincidence?

Or was someone deliberately preventing outsiders from accessing the recordings?

"Scrub all traces of this incident from the internet—every news article, every photo," Dominic commanded, his voice sharp.

"Understood, Mr. Blackwood. I’ll handle it immediately."

An hour later, every mention of Dominic’s search for Sophia—including the staggering $155 million reward—had vanished. Even the photos of her had been wiped clean.

Evelyn slept like the dead.

If not for her phone ringing incessantly, she wouldn’t have stirred at all.

Sophie had already called multiple times before Evelyn finally dragged herself to answer, letting it ring for a full minute before picking up.

"Hello…" Her voice was thick with sleep, followed by a yawn.

"Evelyn! Don’t tell me you’re still asleep! It’s only seven! Are you napping or officially calling it a night?!" Sophie’s voice was shrill enough to jolt Evelyn slightly more awake.

Rubbing her bleary eyes, Evelyn glanced out the window.

The sky was still bright, though dusk was creeping in.

"Sophie, is this important? If not, I’m going back to sleep. I’m exhausted," Evelyn mumbled, hugging her pillow tighter.

"Did you pull an all-nighter? Are you moonlighting as a burglar now? We agreed to celebrate your divorce today! I already booked the restaurant. If you don’t show up, I’ll have everything packed and delivered to your place—so send me your address!" Sophie, ever the force of nature, left no room for argument.

"No… Just send me the restaurant’s address. I’ll get dressed and meet you there."

With great effort, Evelyn pushed herself out of bed.

"Weren’t you just complaining about being sleepy? Let me just send the food to you! I swiped an excellent bottle of wine from my dad’s collection—I’ll stash it at your place for next time."

In an instant, Evelyn was wide awake.

If Sophie’s boyfriend wasn’t Adrian, she wouldn’t have been so paranoid about her finding out about the twins.

"Sophie! I’m awake now! Where are you? Send me your location—I’ll be there in no time!"

"Fine! I’ll send it! Is your mom with you? Bring her along!"

"She’s already eaten. It’s fine."

Hanging up, Evelyn gathered her tangled hair into a messy ponytail and shuffled to her closet, pulling out a sleek maxi dress.

After changing, she stepped out of her room.

The living room was dark.

They weren’t home.

She pulled out her phone and video-called her mother.

Clara answered immediately. "Evelyn, you’re awake? I left dinner in the kitchen for you."

"Sophie’s taking me out, so I won’t be eating here. Mom, where are you?" Evelyn grabbed her bag and headed for the door.

"We’re at the park! That drone from overseas arrived today. The kids were dying to test it out," Clara said, angling the camera toward the sky.

A vibrant drone, expertly controlled by Henry, darted through the air like a dragonfly.

Around it, other children flew kites, their laughter carrying through the screen.

Evelynted, amused. "Have fun. I’m heading out."

Half an hour later, she arrived at the upscale restaurant Sophie had chosen.

A grand piano stood on a small stage, where a handsome musician played a haunting melody.

"Sophie, you came alone?" Evelyn teased as she slid into the seat across from her. "I thought you’d bring your entourage."